Diff's Lucky Day
Blyss
1998
Independent release
Blyss
1998
Independent release
‘Blyss’ is the band Lifehouse before they were Lifehouse. In their independent days they recorded and performed a wide array of songs and recorded a demo album with a limited amount of copies. It’s not available for purchase but is still worth to be heard. You can find most of these songs online. Please handle them with care if you find them.
Cling & Clatter
The post-grunge rocker Cling & Clatter opens the album. With almost poetic lyrics (“Too many voices/It wont take long/Which ones right/Which ones wrong/Yours is most likely to be misunderstood”) and a groovy, alternative rock sound and Eddie Vedder-ish vocals this song sets the mood for an album with clever alternative pop/rock songs.
Unknown
Unknown is a song that hails from spiritual inspiration but can easily be projected on non-spiritual themes too. This is one of Blyss’ strong points. The lyrics are open for your own interpretation. Unknown is a great rock song that has catchy hooks and the chorus is an instant sing-along. The song could’ve come out a little better with the proper production but it’s undeniably a strong song.
Fool
Fan favorite Fool is the 3rd song on the album, and though it could’ve used some tweaking here and there, this song has the potential to do really well on radio. Love song, spiritual song, everyday life song, you pick. The drums and bass have a prominent place in this song and they are the steady, solid base this song fares on.
Crown Of Scars
This might well be the best song on the album with the mystical intro with a bit of guitar, a bit of keys and then Wade’s perfect vocals make an entrance, at times with backing vocals. This song has some clever layers and very strong lyrics. The song has a full sound but the focus on the vocals is never lost. Crown of Scars shows that this is a balanced band that has a lot of potential.
Mudpie
Mudpie is another very strong song on “Diff’s Lucky Day”. The dynamic between drums & guitar that make room for the Vedder-like vocals of lead singer Jason Wade, and then come back in between the verses give a nice alternative feel. I want to steer you attention to Sergio Andrade on the bass too, because though subtle, the bass plays an important part in this song. If you would take it away the whole song would fall apart. The clever thing of Mudpie is how every member of the band works together so flawlessly.
Trying
The gentle, mostly acoustic-based song Trying is a rough gem in the making. It sounds a little hasty at times, but the song itself is beautiful and Kendall Payne’s background vocals fit perfectly with Wade’s vocals. Once again Andrade’s bass lines are essential to keep up the song.
Storm
Storm, the next song on the album is a religious song, though many fans have interpreted it in several different ways. The beautiful imagery and metaphors are very suited for interpretation. With very soft and gentle instrumental company, Jason Wade takes the spotlight on this song. His clear and powerful, yet fragile vocals basically ARE the song. The sheer conviction and devotion in this song are memorable.
Breathing
This song has a special meaning for me. Right from the first time I heard it I knew this song was something special. Like with Mudpie, even though it sounds completely different, all the members play their respective parts together perfectly. And this song has a good recognizable sound. It’s not really a ballad, but maybe it should be slowed down slightly and include some more keys. But already, Breathing manages to be a good pop song with that alternative edge. I’m torn on if this could do well on radio or not. It has something about it, but it would need some good press and promotion probably.
Somewhere In Between
It’s not radio material, but Somewhere In Between is a beautiful song and I keep singing along to it. The production (or maybe lack of) works remarkably well on this song. It gives it a pure and honest feel. And the laid-back, romantic feel of the song seems to suit Wade & Lifehouse perfectly.
Fairy Tales & Castles
Fairy Tales & Castles should absolutely be released to radio. It’s catchy with great hooks, has super lyrics (“he says his head is filled with/cartoons and fairy tales/and he’s trapped inside a dungeon of dolls/with smiles on their faces/he’s built a pretty cage/his show’s on a beautiful stage/with candy coated prison bars/and chains that look like jewelry “) and is a great sing along song. The faster tempo gives it good energy and the band just does it right on this song.
What’s Wrong With That
What’s Wrong With That is a good song, but for Blyss/Lifehouse standards I always felt it wasn’t their best. It has great energy, and makes an amazing live song (too bad they don’t play these old songs anymore) because when you hear this live I don’t think you can stand still. But on the album I think this song, though still good, isn’t the best they could do.
Revolution Cry
The anthemic Revolution Cry is a song that left me deeply impressed. The full, rich sound and the devotion in the performance makes this song something special. The vocals could’ve come out a little better at times, but the song itself is very strong.
“Diff’s Lucky Day” is a strong album for a band that is still finding its way. You can hear that not everything is perfect yet, but the potential is there. Jason Wade, the main songwriter & lyricist (as well as the lead singer) for the band, has a gift for writing songs that have depth and radio potential. Good hooks and relatable lyrics. With a bit of a grungy but crystal clear voice and solid back up musicians, Blyss (and later Lifehouse) is a band worth keeping track of.
Cling & Clatter
The post-grunge rocker Cling & Clatter opens the album. With almost poetic lyrics (“Too many voices/It wont take long/Which ones right/Which ones wrong/Yours is most likely to be misunderstood”) and a groovy, alternative rock sound and Eddie Vedder-ish vocals this song sets the mood for an album with clever alternative pop/rock songs.
Unknown
Unknown is a song that hails from spiritual inspiration but can easily be projected on non-spiritual themes too. This is one of Blyss’ strong points. The lyrics are open for your own interpretation. Unknown is a great rock song that has catchy hooks and the chorus is an instant sing-along. The song could’ve come out a little better with the proper production but it’s undeniably a strong song.
Fool
Fan favorite Fool is the 3rd song on the album, and though it could’ve used some tweaking here and there, this song has the potential to do really well on radio. Love song, spiritual song, everyday life song, you pick. The drums and bass have a prominent place in this song and they are the steady, solid base this song fares on.
Crown Of Scars
This might well be the best song on the album with the mystical intro with a bit of guitar, a bit of keys and then Wade’s perfect vocals make an entrance, at times with backing vocals. This song has some clever layers and very strong lyrics. The song has a full sound but the focus on the vocals is never lost. Crown of Scars shows that this is a balanced band that has a lot of potential.
Mudpie
Mudpie is another very strong song on “Diff’s Lucky Day”. The dynamic between drums & guitar that make room for the Vedder-like vocals of lead singer Jason Wade, and then come back in between the verses give a nice alternative feel. I want to steer you attention to Sergio Andrade on the bass too, because though subtle, the bass plays an important part in this song. If you would take it away the whole song would fall apart. The clever thing of Mudpie is how every member of the band works together so flawlessly.
Trying
The gentle, mostly acoustic-based song Trying is a rough gem in the making. It sounds a little hasty at times, but the song itself is beautiful and Kendall Payne’s background vocals fit perfectly with Wade’s vocals. Once again Andrade’s bass lines are essential to keep up the song.
Storm
Storm, the next song on the album is a religious song, though many fans have interpreted it in several different ways. The beautiful imagery and metaphors are very suited for interpretation. With very soft and gentle instrumental company, Jason Wade takes the spotlight on this song. His clear and powerful, yet fragile vocals basically ARE the song. The sheer conviction and devotion in this song are memorable.
Breathing
This song has a special meaning for me. Right from the first time I heard it I knew this song was something special. Like with Mudpie, even though it sounds completely different, all the members play their respective parts together perfectly. And this song has a good recognizable sound. It’s not really a ballad, but maybe it should be slowed down slightly and include some more keys. But already, Breathing manages to be a good pop song with that alternative edge. I’m torn on if this could do well on radio or not. It has something about it, but it would need some good press and promotion probably.
Somewhere In Between
It’s not radio material, but Somewhere In Between is a beautiful song and I keep singing along to it. The production (or maybe lack of) works remarkably well on this song. It gives it a pure and honest feel. And the laid-back, romantic feel of the song seems to suit Wade & Lifehouse perfectly.
Fairy Tales & Castles
Fairy Tales & Castles should absolutely be released to radio. It’s catchy with great hooks, has super lyrics (“he says his head is filled with/cartoons and fairy tales/and he’s trapped inside a dungeon of dolls/with smiles on their faces/he’s built a pretty cage/his show’s on a beautiful stage/with candy coated prison bars/and chains that look like jewelry “) and is a great sing along song. The faster tempo gives it good energy and the band just does it right on this song.
What’s Wrong With That
What’s Wrong With That is a good song, but for Blyss/Lifehouse standards I always felt it wasn’t their best. It has great energy, and makes an amazing live song (too bad they don’t play these old songs anymore) because when you hear this live I don’t think you can stand still. But on the album I think this song, though still good, isn’t the best they could do.
Revolution Cry
The anthemic Revolution Cry is a song that left me deeply impressed. The full, rich sound and the devotion in the performance makes this song something special. The vocals could’ve come out a little better at times, but the song itself is very strong.
“Diff’s Lucky Day” is a strong album for a band that is still finding its way. You can hear that not everything is perfect yet, but the potential is there. Jason Wade, the main songwriter & lyricist (as well as the lead singer) for the band, has a gift for writing songs that have depth and radio potential. Good hooks and relatable lyrics. With a bit of a grungy but crystal clear voice and solid back up musicians, Blyss (and later Lifehouse) is a band worth keeping track of.